Meeting Summary
Announcements
- Veterans Day Recognition: The City Council recognized Veterans Day and commended Oklahoma City area veteran employer champions for their commitment to supporting veterans in the workforce. Rachel Renfolly from Oklahoma Veterans United highlighted their work assisting homeless veterans and suicide prevention across 56 Oklahoma counties.
- Riverfront Grand Prix: A revocable permit was approved for SKD Events LLC to host the Riverfront Grand Prix, a bicycle, motorcycle, and four-wheeler race along the Oklahoma River. The event will take place on a Saturday and Sunday, with races starting at 📅 noon each day.
- OKC Turkey Trot: A revocable permit was approved for Ventures Endurance Events to hold the annual OKC Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day. The event, which benefits the Urban Mission, includes a one-mile race at 📅 8:30 AM, a 5K at 📅 9:00 AM, and kids' races at 📅 10:00 AM.
- Upcoming Dates:
- Item 9A (Consent Docket) has been deferred to 📅 November 18th.
- Rezoning application 12516 Roberts Road (Item 11G) has been deferred to 📅 November 18th.
- Ordinances regarding credit card service fees (Items 11I and 11J) were introduced and set for final hearing on 📅 November 18th, with an effective date of 📅 January 1st, 2026.
- The Classen Corridor TIF Amendment ordinance (Item 9X) was introduced and set for final hearing on 📅 November 18th.
Key Decisions & Votes
- Legislative Agendas Approved: The Council unanimously approved both the Federal and State Legislative Agendas for 2026.
- Federal priorities include advocating for resources for the LA 2028 Olympic events in Oklahoma City (security, transportation) and supporting affordable housing solutions like the Road to Housing Act of 2025. Continued support for the National Flood Insurance Program and tax-free status for municipal bonds was also noted.
- State priorities for 2026 include reintroducing legislation to simplify the business relationship affidavit (previously vetoed by the governor), clarifying the Energy Discrimination Elimination Act, and new initiatives to certify behavioral health case managers for the city's mobile integrated health team, update statutes for explosive materials, and adjust the traffic accident reporting threshold.
- Classen Corridor TIF Amendment Introduced: An ordinance to amend the Classen Corridor Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district was introduced. This amendment adds several parcels to the increment area (where taxes are generated) and expands the project area (where TIF funds can be spent) to include schools and a city park. The total estimated budget for the TIF was updated from $87 million to $68 million over 25 years. This item was set for final hearing on 📅 November 18th.
- Credit Card Service Fees Introduced: Two ordinances were introduced to implement a 2.7% service fee on certain credit card transactions, specifically for permits, fees, and lodging taxes. This change is projected to save the general fund approximately $905,000 annually. The City Treasurer explained that this is a service fee, not a surcharge, and only recovers the cost charged to the city by processors. It will not apply if a credit card is the only accepted payment method, ensuring a no-cost alternative (e.g., ACH) is always available. These ordinances were set for final hearing on 📅 November 18th.
- Brown's Bakery Redevelopment TIF Allocation: A joint resolution was unanimously approved with the Oklahoma City Economic Development Trust for a TIF allocation not to exceed $766,263 for the Brown's Bakery redevelopment project at 10th and Walker. This $10.3 million project will transform the historic Clyde's grocery store into a food and beverage establishment, including a commissary bakery for Summer Moon coffee and a cafe. The incentive is structured as a pay-as-you-go model over 15 years.
- Discussion Point: Councilman Cooper raised questions about integrating affordable housing into such projects, noting developer challenges with compliance hurdles. City staff and the developer acknowledged the complexity and the need for multiple funding layers (TIF, ARPA, low-income housing tax credits) to make affordable housing projects feasible, suggesting further meetings to streamline the process.
- Rezoning Approvals: Several rezoning applications were unanimously approved, including:
- 1736 Northwest 15th from R2 to SPUD 1766, with an amendment to the master design statement.
- 11701 Echo Drive from AA to SPUD 1773.
- 3726 Northwestern from SPUD 905 to SPUD 1774, to legalize the existing use of Vine Community Church.
- 1900 South Portland from I2 and SRODD to SPUD 1775.
- 512 South Mustang Road from SPUD 1648 to SPUD 1776.
- Right-of-Way Closure Denied: A proposed ordinance to close a portion of the right-of-way for Northwest 12th adjacent to lots 22 and 23 in block 3 of Classen's Marquette edition was unanimously denied.
- Unsecured Structures and Abandoned Buildings: Resolutions declaring several structures unsecured and one building abandoned were unanimously approved.
💰 Financial Matters
- October Sales Tax Report: The City Manager reported that sales tax revenue for October was down 1.8%, and use tax was down almost 5%. Despite this, the city remains approximately $500,000 above target for the year due to previous strong performance, particularly from utilities. The budget office is monitoring trends and preparing projections for the next fiscal year.
- Credit Card Fee Savings: The proposed implementation of a 2.7% service fee on certain credit card transactions is estimated to save the city's general fund $905,000 annually.
- TIF Allocation: A $766,263 TIF allocation was approved for the Brown's Bakery redevelopment project, which is a $10.3 million investment.
Public Comments
No public comments were made during the designated public comment period.
Agenda Summary Table
| Agenda Item | Description